| Most people who know how to point and operate a | | | | personality of your subject. You can only do this if |
| camera are able to make a portrait photograph. | | | | you know the person. So if you don't know them, |
| However, there are of course differences in the | | | | get to know them. You can do this in the initial |
| amateur and professional portrait. Professional portrait | | | | discussion before the session as well as observation |
| photographers have certain abilities and techniques | | | | during the session. Discover something about the |
| that let them get the best out of their subjects. | | | | person and their characteristics and try to show this |
| A portrait photograph does not only mean a person's | | | | in the photographs. Make sure that their personality |
| image. It shows character and emotion as well as | | | | shows in their faces. Personality usually appears when |
| employing professional approaches. If you want to | | | | the subject is not expecting a shot or is comfortable |
| start shooting portraits and don't know the essential | | | | with you and the equipment. |
| elements, here are five tips that can give you a good | | | | 4. Background |
| start. | | | | Most portraits have light or dark backgrounds to |
| 1. Plan | | | | emphasize the subject. You can also use the |
| Be sure that you are ready before you go to the | | | | environment to add more character to your subject. |
| photo shoot. Not only that you have all the | | | | Also, be sure that the colors of your background and |
| equipment that you need, but be sure that you can | | | | the dress of your subject complement each other. |
| handle the job properly. Prepare all the necessary | | | | Sometimes backgrounds become the flaw of a |
| materials and be sure to bring a good topic for | | | | picture because the photographer took it for granted. |
| conversation so that your subject can relax while | | | | Plain black or white paper or material backgrounds are |
| you are shooting. Document your scene and itemize | | | | the favorite choice of professional portrait |
| all tools and props you are going to need. Review this | | | | photographers. |
| list carefully and make sure nothing is missing. | | | | 5. Lighting |
| 2. Rapport | | | | Most photographers prefer studio lighting as it |
| Building rapport with your subject is the first thing | | | | provides the photographer with much more control |
| that you should learn how to achieve. Interest in | | | | than natural light. However, some professionals |
| knowing your subjects are a plus. If you get to | | | | choose natural lighting but this can be difficult to |
| know your subject and they know you, they will | | | | achieve, as a studio has to be purpose built around |
| become more comfortable in front of the camera. | | | | the natural elements of the sun. Be sure that light is |
| When the shoot comes, you have better chances of | | | | interesting and flattering, or that it satisfies the angle |
| getting the best natural expressions of the people | | | | that you want to emphasize. Portrait photographers |
| you are photographing. Sit your subject and initially | | | | generally use two or more lights, underexposing one |
| discuss anything to put them at ease. Many | | | | side of the face by up to one stop. Lighting can have |
| photographers from the film days would spend some | | | | a dramatic effect especially if you want a |
| time snapping without film for a "rapport time". Then | | | | professional looking photograph. |
| when they felt the subject was at ease, then use | | | | Portrait photography is a really enjoyable hobby. If |
| film. With digital this is not necessary, but you get the | | | | you're serious in making it your career, you can be |
| point. | | | | sure that it can be lucrative as long as you perfect |
| 3. Personality | | | | your craft. |
| Try to make sure that your photos will show the | | | | |